As the door closed, he quickly ran to the front, whispering something to Dong Wenshu and the others before they came over.

The unexpected quick arrival took the family by surprise.

After the red-dressed woman approached the family, she sized them up one by one with a scrutinizing gaze.

It was as if she was the master of the place, making the uneasy family feel like they were there for a job interview.

"Is this the curator?" The red-dressed woman asked, staring at Dong Wenshu, then introduced herself, "You can just call me 'Ruo Jun', pleased to meet you in the future."

Dong Wenshu politely exchanged a few words, somewhat surprised that the distant relative of the old man in black was such a charming woman.

Then Dong Liangyi led the red-dressed woman to pick a room. The Dong family's courtyard wasn't small, and there were many rooms, most of which were empty and could be chosen freely.

In the evening, Dong Liangyi was busy in the kitchen when the red-dressed woman somehow joined in.

It was unclear if she was actually helping, as she occasionally casually assisted.

For instance, while Dong Liangyi was washing vegetables in the basin, she suddenly picked up a ladle and poured water, elongating the stream as it fell into the basin.

She seemed to genuinely enjoy adding wood and stoking the fire in the stove. Sitting by the stove, the red glow from the fire reflected off her red dress; no, there was a scent of alcohol. Dong Liangyi turned her head to see that somehow a small, exquisite wine jar had appeared in her hand, slightly smaller than a palm, with one foot propped on a wooden block. In the red glow of the fire, she arched her fair neck back and took a long drink from the jar.

The scene was truly beautiful, an unrestrained beauty enveloped in worldly smoke, mesmerizing Dong Liangyi until the smell of burning emanated from the pot, sending her into a frantic scramble.

In the firelight, the red-dressed woman, with crystalline droplets on her lips and cheeks puffed with wine, turned to look and realized she had been tending the fire without adjusting the heat. Knowing the fire was too strong, she wiggled her finger, and most of the wood in the stove withdrew, while the wine in her mouth was gulped down her neck.

When she glanced at Dong Liangyi again, the red-dressed woman motioned with the wine jar, suggesting if she wanted a sip.

Dong Liangyi hastily shook her head and buried herself back in her work. Some had complained about her cooking, and she needed to be mindful, though the wine smelled truly fragrant.

Just then, there was another knock at the bookhouse's main door.

A man and a woman stood at the door of the bookhouse, none other than the Goddess Feng Qingping and the Extreme Fire Sect Martial Hall Master Qiu Ben.

Neither displayed any arrogance, without any attendants, appearing like mere ordinary visitors.

From the Demon Queen's side, after the Sect Master of Extreme Fire Sect and the Phoenix Clan Chief personally visited and presented generous gifts, the matter was resolved.

Of course, since the matter originated from the Extreme Fire Sect, the Phoenix Clan's gift was also provided by the Extreme Fire Sect.

The matter was de-escalated, and naturally, minor concerns dissipated.

The incident began by offending the owner of Chao Yue Hall, causing them distress, and upon discovering the backing was the Demon Queen, an apology and compensation were necessary.

This was also the intent of the Sect Master of the Extreme Fire Sect and the Phoenix Clan Chief.

The one who opened the door, Dong Liangze, did not know who they were. But after they introduced themselves, he was shocked and almost thought they were impostors.

Finally, the guests and hosts met, and an exchange of courtesy was inevitable.

Dong Wenshu, not being foolish, naturally knew they were there for the Demon Queen's sake.

The red-dressed woman watched the commotion nearby.

Feng Qingping and Qiu Ben occasionally glanced at the red-dressed woman sitting on the bridge railing, dangling a leg, nursing a small wine jar.

Before coming, they had thoroughly understood the personnel of the bookhouse and had not heard of such a person.

During the conversation, they inevitably inquired.

Dong Wenshu promised to keep the secret for the old man in black, only saying she was a newly recruited handyman.

Ah, so that's it. Feng and Qiu didn't press further, planning to learn more if necessary later.

After a round of apologies, Feng Qingping glanced at Dong Liangyu standing nearby and suddenly said, "I heard that your family's second daughter, Dong Liangyu, has been frail since childhood and unsuitable for cultivation. If she desires to pursue the path of cultivation, my Phoenix Clan does have spiritual pills capable of modifying her constitution. Would the second young lady be willing to join our Phoenix Clan for cultivation?"

Upon hearing this, before any reactions from others, Dong Liangyu herself was deeply moved. Being afflicted for years, she longed for health.

Additionally, the family knew the immense value of such spiritual pills, unattainable by most, hence Dong Liangyu's prolonged condition.

Qiu Ben also glanced at the other children of the Dong family, speaking timely, "Though the Extreme Fire Sect is a demon cultivator sect, we do have revered human cultivators. Our cultivation techniques for humans are ample, and if Mr. Dong is willing, perhaps let the children join our Extreme Fire Sect. We are committed to supporting them with cultivation resources, with expert training to ensure exceptional futures."

Once again, this was an inviting offer that shook the Dong siblings, knowing that such opportunities in major sects are rare, especially with promised support.

The chance to change the fate of the family suddenly lay before them.

Even Dong Wenshu found himself in deep contemplation and hesitation.

Feng Qingping and Qiu Ben exchanged looks, understanding each other's intent to turn misfortune into fortune, to leverage and deepen relations with the Demon Queen.

Ordinary entrants to their sects would not receive such substantial support, and they believed few could resist such a temptation.

Meanwhile, the red-dressed woman leaned against the bridge railing, observing coldly, occasionally glancing their way.

After much consideration, Dong Wenshu shook his head and politely declined, "The Goddess and Hall Master, thank you for your kindness, feeling overwhelmed as it is and not daring to agree. Please allow more time for consideration."

In reality, he felt his family had no ties with the Demon Queen, having already used an ancestral favor. Reading countless books, he adhered to the philosophy of 'fortune and disaster are intertwined.' Joining a demon cultivator sect as a human was unconventional, and once relations changed color, taking more now could lead to greater backlash later. He didn't want this shortcut to harm his children.

Feng and Qiu respected his decision, leaving behind a Mother-child Talisman each, suggesting he contact them anytime.

Dong Wenshu merely verbally agreed.

As Feng and Qiu left, they expressed apologies again, leaving behind a small box as an apology gift.

Unwilling to accept, Dong Wenshu repeatedly declined, but with his level of cultivation, how could he refuse, leaving the gifts there as the guests departed?

Overly eager, Dong Liangze, assuming the boxes contained valuables, picked one up, feeling the unusual lightness. Opening it, he found a stack of bank notes, counting them shocked him, each box containing ten million Sandalwood Gold!

Seeing the family bewildered over twenty million, debating how to return them, the red-dressed woman smirked from the bridge railing, looking to the evening glow, leisurely drinking from her jar.

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